Upgrade Your Hike

How many times has someone told you to “take a hike”? Chances are they weren’t concerned with your cardiovascular health. When it comes to getting healthy and spending time together as a family, going for a hike is a great option. Here are some ways that you can turn a hike into more than just a walk.

Places To GoDepending upon where you live, you can find local parks, state parks, and national forests nearby to explore. You don’t have to travel long distances to find a great place to hike. If you can’t find an established area to hike, perhaps you know someone with several acres that will allow you to hike on their property. Remember to always ask for permission and to leave the property better than when you found it.

What to Take with YouRegardless of season or temperature, take plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. Carry a camera or notebook and capture the beauty of nature. It’s also advisable to bring a fully charged cell phone in case you need assistance (and if your cell phone has a camera, you can forgo your camera). Appropriate outerwear, especially rain gear, is also a good idea in case the weather turns on you.

Safety ConcernsNo matter where you choose to go on your hike, it’s a good idea to bring along a first aid kit. It doesn’t have to be big, but should hold the basics. Plan out the route of your hike so you know what to expect as far as terrain is concerned. Let several people know when you will leave home, how long you plan to stay, and when you expect to return. It’s also wise to check in periodically if you plan to be gone all day or longer.

Nature WatchBeing outdoors in nature can be relaxing and full of wonder. Children will especially marvel at the sights and sounds if they have never been hiking before. Choose specific animals to find while on your hike. You may also want to try to identify the trees along the path. Rather than removing items from the hike, take along a camera to capture the them on film.

Bird WatchingBird watching is an activity that enthusiasts around the world enjoy. Check a bird book out of the library or find similar information online. Some websites include bird call audio so that you can listen as well as watch for birds on your hike. Start with a list of birds you expect to see. Check them off as you find them and see if you can add any that aren’t on your list.

Scavenger HuntChildren, as well as adults, love a scavenger hunt. Create a list of items to find while on a hike. The list can include things like red oak leaf, moss on a standing tree (look on the northern side), a heart-shaped rock, raccoon footprints, ferns, the major indigenous trees of the region, a bird’s nest, a bee hive, and more. Again, rather than removing some of these items from their habitat, carry a camera to keep track of the items that you find and leave them where you find them for others to enjoy.

A hike can be a relaxing stroll or a flurry of activity. Either way it’s a refreshing way to improve your health and your relationships.

About Pam Myers, BSEd

Pam Myers received a BsEd in Education and her teaching credential from USC and was a 6th grade teacher for 13 years for the Ocean View School District in Huntington Beach, CA. She and Dr Bob met at USC and were married in 1971. Pam is the proud mother of two grown children, Lauren, who is a Special Education teacher in the La Habra School District and a son, Greg, who is a TV and Film editor. She retired from the public schools to raise her family and has continued to work with children and families through various activities including serving as a PTA president, working with OC Philharmonic Association to bring music education to children and is serving in the youth ministry at her church. Pam and Bob worked as a team on his radio shows and she provided management support in his private practice. Painting and live theater are her passions as well as the protection of children and animals.

Site Information

Policies

You Can Trust Us

The information on this website is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither Child Development Institute, LLC nor Dr. Myers nor any of the editors, columnists or authors take responsibility for any possible consequences from any action taken which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine or psychology, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or mental health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider. See additional information